Spring 2025

Virginia has spent a quiet winter at the protected wharf of the Strouts Point Wharf Company in South Freeport. It is spring now, and Virginia is once again uncovered as we are preparing to leave our winter home. We wish to thank the Strouts Point Wharf Company and our friends in South Freeport.

Our first event of this spring is an evening of food, drink, and talks on April 4. This event is for members, volunteers, and friends of Maine’s First Ship. The following morning (April 5) we will be holding free deck tours of Virginia. There is not rigging except for the main mast, so there is a lot of space on the deck. See the events page for details.

On April 6 we plan on moving Virginia to Portland Yacht Services where we will be once again lifting her for bottom work and inspections. This work includes doing a laser scan of Virginia’s hull, increasing the length of the drive shaft, and making some repairs to the frames and planks. While we have a large crane available, we will be un-stepping the main mast for inspection and maintenance. We hope to complete this work in about two weeks, with Virginia returning to her wharf at the Bath Freight Shed the week of April 21.

On April 19, we will be hosting the third annual “17th Century Foodways” event. This consists of free demonstrations of 17th-century style outdoor cooking in the morning with our guest chefs Sam Collins and Joe Robbins. In the afternoon we will have a paid luncheon where we eat the food cooked in the morning.

In the weeks after Virginia returns to Bath, we will once again be up-rigging her. We are looking for volunteers to help with this work.

The Jane Stevens Visitor Center will be open limited days in early May, and go to a full schedule starting Memorial Day weekend. We are also looking for volunteers to work as docents in the visitor center.